SATISFY THE WHOLE FAMILY ON A MARCH BREAK WITH NIAGARA PARKS
WHETHER YOUR KIDS ARE IN THE MOOD FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR FUN, THERE ARE ACTIVITIES — AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES — FOR EVERYONE.
For some families, deciding how to spend March Break is easier said than done. While some might want to spend their week off school indulging in the great indoors, others may be yearning to throw on their scarves and mitts to enjoy the last few weeks of winter. No matter what their interests, Niagara Parks is the perfect location to create lasting memories and ensure all members of your family have fun (and you can save money doing it).
STAY WARM AND COZY – AND LEARN, TOO
Experience the warmth of the tropics a short drive from the Hamilton and Greater Toronto Area at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. Home to more than 2,000 butterflies, which fly freely through the 10,000-square-foot space, it is also home to a selection of lush tropical plants and flowers, and even a waterfall.
Wander through the conservatory’s 180-metres of winding pathways before stopping at its Soil Superheroes exhibit — on through May 2 — to learn about the creatures that live below the ground, such as worms, that help make life on earth possible.
After, continue your cozy March Break experience by visiting a building that was once designed to keep people warm – by generating electricity. The Niagara Parks Power Station will spark the imagination of your kids and teens with its exhibits celebrating the history of the building, which opened in 1905 and as the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.
If you visit on Feb. 18 or 19, be sure to bring your kids to the Little Inventors children’s workshop (open for ages six to 12). Free with admission, children will enjoy activities designed to inspire young minds to explore their curiosity and creativity through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
EMBRACE WINTER AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
While still at the Niagara Parks Power Station, be sure to explore the 2,200-foot tunnel, located 180 feet underground that brings you to the lower Niagara River at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. A glass enclosed elevator transports you down to the tunnel that ends at a newly constructed observation platform where you can marvel at panoramic views of both the Horseshoe and American Falls.
The tunnel itself was carved from the bedrock at the turn of the last century by workers yielding only pickaxes and shovels, and explosions detonated using basic dynamite. Children of all ages will be fascinated by the tunnel that once allowed water, which passed through the power plant to make electricity, to flow back into the Niagara River.
For another unique view of Niagara Falls, experience Journey Behind the Falls. Descend 125 feet into the 130-year-old tunnels behind the Falls that vibrate from the force of the water cascading 13-storeys over the brink. Following the tunnels, you will emerge at an observation deck at the foot of the Horseshoe Falls.
After admiring the view, learn about the powerful forces that created this wonder of the world at the nearby, family-friendly Niagara’s Fury attraction. This 4D motion theatre experience uses multisensory simulations to transport you 10,000 years into the past to the last ice age and the formation of these dramatic waterfalls.
SAVE MONEY WHILE HAVING FUN
Before you visit this March Break, be sure to buy a Niagara Falls Wonder Pass Plus, which helps you save up to 58 per cent on admission to four of Niagara Parks’ top attractions. The $45 per person pass gets you access to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Parks Power Station, Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury.
The pass also includes two-day access to the WEGO bus transportation system, which connects Niagara Parks attractions and area hotels, and the Falls Incline Railway connecting Table Rock to the Fallsview Tourism Area, including the Fallsview Casino Resort.
For more great ways to save during March Break, visit Niagaraparks.com/deals.
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